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The International Pairs works very closely with international, national and local media at even the initial club events. In 2004 alone, more than 300 International Pairs-related press releases were sent out by the event's public relations agency.
Many of the members of the Fourth Estate - print, radio, TV and web - attend the finals of the competition and have earned a first-hand view of what it means to be a participant in the largest golf event of its kind in the world.
Here are just some of their comments:
"The International Pairs has quickly established itself as one of the premier events for handicap golfers on the calendar - especially now that it stages the final in Scotland at the Home of Golf.
"For participants it involves unrivalled competition, on some of the country's best courses for a £5 entry fee. For journalists it offers an almost limitless fund of the kind of stories we all want to write about - those involving people who manage to exceed their wildest expectations and have a lot of fun in the process.
"And those who don't win seem to have a pretty good time, too..."
Martin Vousden, editor, www.scottishgolf.com
"The International Pairs is a great event for golfers of all abilities – and from a local media perspective it generates plenty of good stories involving the ordinary club golfer.
"We have covered it since it was launched and I'm looking forward to continuing to do so - but not as much as one year actually winning the tournament at my own club and sampling the unique tournament atmosphere from a player's perspective instead."
Colin Channon, sports editor, The News (Portsmouth)
"The Kent Messenger Group is delighted to work closely with the International Pairs competition. The organisation of the event is first class with top administration and many of the United Kingdom's top courses hosting qualifiers and finals.
"The event is going from strength to strength. Golfers of all abilities have the chance of success. Just ask Mark Phillips and Darren Bradford, from the Deangate Ridge club in Kent, who won the event two years ago."
Mike Rees, sports editor, Kent Messenger Group
"As a hotbed of amateur golf, the Bristol and west area has always played a big part in the International Pairs - news travels fast when a competition is so well organised and the rewards are so rich. Good company, great golf and the chance to win some fantastic prizes - it just gets bigger and better."
Chris Bartlett, sports editor, Bristol Evening Post
"I was very impressed with the International Pairs world final, especially the PR effort your folks do. Awesome. I had a wonderful time and I truly appreciate your hospitality and talents. I look forward to working with you in the future."
Mike Jamison, executive director, ING, USA
"A fantastic event..."
Scott Metcalfe, news director, 680 News, Toronto, Canada
"The International Pairs event is a truly remarkable feat of organisation and provides provincial newspapers like ours the opportunity to get some great local stories about competitors all the way through.
"The atmosphere at the finals embodies the spirit of true sportsmanship and it's a pleasure to be able to see and report on 'real' people - rather than the many superficially grand professional sportsmen involved in our national game of football."
Ian Henderson, sports editor, The Hampshire Chronicle
"There are golf competitions and there is the International Pairs. Having been associated with several such events over recent years, the International Pairs has to come top of the list.
" Every year it is great to see 'ordinary' golfers getting their chance of glory on the national and world scene. And the news that the glorious venue of St Andrews Bay will now be the spiritual home of the International Pairs could not be more fitting."
Tony Harrison, sports writer, Carlisle News & Star
"It makes ordinary club golfers feel very special. No other event does that."
Richard Tilley, sports editor, Oxford Times
"The International Pairs is a fantastic concept for club and grass roots golf. Developing players need to play regular competition to improve their game and this tournament provides the ideal format. It was great to see two youngsters do so well at this year's finals."
Simon Tomlinson, sports writer, Ipswich Evening Star
"What a success the International Pairs has been. I sat on a cross Channel ferry when founder Ross Honey came up with the initial idea about five years ago and have seen the competition grow annually to what it is today. It's success, I believe, is down to its simple format. It gives the club golfer the feeling of walking down the stretch at the Ryder Cup, representing his club and country."
Colin Jenkins, sports writer, Southern Daily Echo (Southampton)
"For sheer value look no further than the International Pairs golf tournament. What other golf event offers handicappers of all ages and abilities the chance to shine on stunning courses amid fierce competition and a glorious social calendar? The International Pairs offers David that very real chance of toppling Goliath."
Dave Garlant, editor, Petersfield Post
The International Pairs public relations is handled by Pete Richardson Communications Ltd
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